ANANYA SAI TOLICHUKKACombating antisemitism and supersessionism in my Christian community starts with honest reflection and a willingness to challenge old habits of thought. Supersessionism—the idea that the church has replaced Israel in God’s plan—has deep roots in Christian history, sometimes fueling antisemitic attitudes, even unintentionally. As someone in a faith community, I can make a difference by digging into scripture with fresh eyes, like Romans 11, where Paul insists God hasn’t abandoned the Jewish people. Share that perspective with others—maybe over coffee after service or in a Bible study. It’s not about preaching; it’s about starting real conversations.
Education’s key too. I’ll encourage community to learn the history—not just the theology—of Jewish-Christian relations. Host a talk with a rabbi or a historian to unpack the pain caused by things like the “teaching of contempt” or medieval badges forced on Jews. When people see the human cost, it hits differently than abstract doctrine. And I won’t shy away from the tough stuff: if church’s hymns, sermons, or traditions subtly (or not so subtly) cast Jews as “replaced” or “cursed,” I’ll call it out gently but firmly. I’ll also suggest alternatives that honor both Jesus’ Jewishness and God’s ongoing covenant with Israel.
Finally, build bridges. Partnering with a local synagogue for a joint service project—feeding the hungry or supporting refugees. It’s harder to cling to stereotypes when we’re working side by side. I am not fixing everything overnight, but I am planting seeds for a faith that loves its neighbor, Jewish or otherwise, without erasing their story.
